Auburn EDGE Chris Murray is ready to lead in 2026
Auburn received great news this week that EDGE rusher Chris Murray was granted another season of eligibility . However, the news was more of a surprise to Murray than to anyone else.
Murray, who spent the 2025 season at Auburn after transferring in from Sam Houston State, made 15 tackles in 12 games last season, playing behind a stacked unit that featured NFL draft hopefuls Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford. He graded out at 71.9 last season according to Pro Football Focus , with his highest grade being 75.4 in run defense.
Earlier this week, Murray planned to participate in Auburn's Pro Day held at the Woltosz Football Performance Center. However, he received a phone call from head coach Alex Golesh that changed the course of his football career.
"AG wanted to sit and talk to me, personally," Murray said, via the Montgomery Advertiser. "He hit my phone: 'Meeting, this time. Be there or be square.' The way he approaches this building — 'Be who you say you are' — he's elite. He's an elite coach. I'm happy to be with him."
Now that Murray is returning, he plans to step into a larger role on the field and in leadership.
"I'm an older guy, I'm a little more experienced with certain things," Murray said. "I can teach these young guys how to move, how to maneuver. I got Jared (Smith) with me. I've been with Jared last year. It's important for me, because we had Keyron here last year. I was a guy with Keyron. Not necessarily saying the spotlight is going to be on me, but I can help the young guys to bring them up as well, and help my career. That was the important thing for me."
Murray will now lead a young EDGE group this season that features rising stars JJ Faulk, Joe Phillips, and Jared Smith, and newcomer Jaquez Wilkes. The group will continue to go through spring practice through April 18, when the annual A-Day game takes place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football EDGE Chris Murray is read to lead in 2026
